Harman Professional Solutions‘ Texas-based Marketing Creative Services Team debuted their fifth annual entry into Dallas CASA‘s 2016 Parade of Playhouses, presented by Crest Cadillac – Crest Infiniti, an annual charitable event being held at Dallas’ NorthPark Center, July 15–31, 2016.
Dallas CASA and NorthPark Center are co-hosting the event again this year with the goal of raising even more funds and awareness for Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), an organization of volunteers dedicated to helping abused and neglected children have safe, permanent homes.
This year’s Parade of Playhouses features 15 playhouses, which will be on display for 17 days, during which time visitors will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to support and possibly win the playhouses they are interested in. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20 and may be purchased at event ticket tables at NorthPark Center or online here. One winner per playhouse will be drawn, during the raffle drawing on Sunday, July 31.
Donations to Dallas CASA can also be made on behalf of any of the playhouses by texting dallascasa to 41444, which will take you to a link to pick your favorite playhouse. Each vote costs $5 and the most favorite playhouse will be announced on Facebook and the Dallas CASA website. These votes are not entered into the raffle.
Harman’s African Safari Adventure turns any backyard into a game reserve like no other. Kids can go on any number of expeditions of the imagination. Camp out at the edge of the Congo Rainforest to catch an early morning glimpse of gorillas, big cats, and wild birds. Jump in your powered jeep to follow a big game migration across the great plains of Botswana to watch wild populations of buffalo, elephants, camels, and giraffes. Plan a mystery adventure or take an afternoon snooze while listening to some tunes on your included JBL audio system. There’s always an adventure awaiting in the fun-filled playhouse.
“I consider it a privilege to build a playhouse for abused kids that deserve a chance to escape from their everyday problems and just have fun, said Jeff Kindig, ‘chief playhouse architect’ and director, Harman, Global Marketing Creative Services Group. “And besides that, I’m not sure who ends up having more fun, the marketing team that got a chance to get creative and think outside of the box or the playhouse-winning kids of all ages that will undoubtedly spend countless hours dreaming up new adventures.”
To ensure every playtime expedition is an awakening of sights and sounds, this year’s playhouse is a solid wood structure covered with a weatherproof canvas tent, complete with lots of windows and a must for summer explorers – integrated mosquito screens. Also included are two built-in bunk beds, a writing desk and chair, storage chest, and an integrated JBL stereo sound system, featuring dual 6 ½-inch JBL polymer-coated aluminum woofer loudspeakers and a 160 watt JBL marine amplifier with a 3.5mm stereo input to support any mobile device. When it’ s time to venture away from the playhouse, an ATV-style jeep 12-volt 4×4 Electric Kids Car by Dynacraft is waiting along with official safari hats, vest, and binoculars.
“The level of creativity and competition in these playhouse designs is pretty astonishing. There really are some amazing houses and in the end it’s good to know everyone is building for a great cause,” added Chris Bruce, tradeshow manager, Harman, Global Marketing Creative Services Group.
“These playhouses represent our hope for abused and neglected children in Dallas,” said Kathleen M. LaValle, Dallas CASA executive director and president. “Some children dream of having their very own fantasy playhouses, but abused children dream of having safe and permanent homes. Sadly, two out of five abused children in protective care in Dallas County do not have CASA volunteer advocates. We look forward to the day when we have enough volunteers for each child to have an advocate.”
Purchased tickets here.